Shamlaji Melo

The Shamlaji Melo is also known by Kartik Purnima fair. It is located in the small town known as Shamlaji which is in Gujarat at the Delhi-Ahmedabad highway. It is organized in November annually for the period of two weeks at the time of full moon day in Kartik month. The Shamlaji temple is a very famous Vaishnav Shrine and shrine of the deity which is placed there is known by various names like Shaksi Gopal and Gadadhar. As the temple was built years ago in 11th century, therefore, it has archaeological significance as well. It is a very significant fair especially for the tribes who visit the fair from different parts of the world to be a part of this fair. This fair is an example of harmony in the region. It is a remarkable example of the nature of secularity of the country. People from different castes and religion come to participate in the fair. It also witnesses the cultural heritage of Gujarat.

History

The legend behind the fair is that once Lord Brahma embarked or moved on a journey in order to find out the best scared site or tirtha on earth. After visiting many places, he liked Shamlaji the most when he came there, where he performed penance for many years. Lord Shiva was pleased with Lord Brahma. Lord Vishnu was asked to perform a ritual and He entailed him in Shamlaji’s and got it enshrined there.

Another history says the Gods architect, Vishwakarma built this temple in just one night. But he completed it by morning so he was unable to take it along and left it there.
There’s another story behind the history of the fair which says that the idol of Lord Shamlaji was found by an adivasi while he was ploughing his land. He worshipped the land everyday by lighting a lamp and he was blessed with abundant yield on his land due to his faith. Because of this, the temple was built there by a merchant who was a vaishnav and installed the idol there. The temple was renovated by a business family.

Celebration in the Shamlaji Melo

The Shamlaji Melo is celebrated in November for the time period of 14 days. Many people attend this fair from various parts of the country especially the Bhil and Garasai community visit to attend the fair. The devotees of different caste and religion come there without any discrimination in the fair. Not only do they visit there to have a darshan of the deity but they also take a bath in the Meshworiver. The pilgrims come in groups and sing songs and entertain people by putting banners for the audience at the temple. This fair stands very important and popular amongst the tribe of Bhil who are highly attached with Shamlaji and are known as Kalio Bavji which means dark divinity. This mela is known for Nagdharakund bath and its traditions.

Interesting fact about the Shamlaji Melo

There are several ruins of temples, old brick work and idols at Shamlaji which clearly depicts that the temple is very ancient. It is said that the shrine which is kept there is 500 years old, sandstone and bricks were used for its construction. Its antiquity has been proved by the Buddhist stupa and there is a vihar at a mile distance at Dev-ni-mori from Shamlaji. It is known as Sharirstupa which means a fragment of the Buddha remains. Not only this, there is also a shrine on the Shamlaji temple’s way towards the Meshwo River which depicts the image of a Ganesha who people worship.

How to Reach

By Air

Although there is no airport in Shamlaji but there is a nearby airport to the town in Ahmedabad. The Ahmedabad airport (AMD) is at a distance of 106 km from Shamlaji. Another airport is Dabok airport in Udaipur which is only 107 km far from the place.

By Rail

Shamlaji has a railway station in its town. The Shamlaji Road (SJS) is a railway station there which has an access of regular trains from several parts of the country to and from Shamlaji.

By Road

There is a bus station at Shamlaji which has a good connectivity of state owned and private buses on a regular basis. It is easy and comfortable to travel by road to reach the place.